Method and environment for growing plants

A plant growth environment comprising a first growth substrate which has a first water uptake capacity and a first sinking time, with the first growth substrate being in fluid communication with a discrete second substrate, wherein the second substrate is mineral wool having a density of 40 to 100 kg/m3, a second water uptake capacity which is less than the first water uptake capacity, and a second sinking time;

• wherein the the first sinking time is greater than the second sinking time.

A method of growing at least 10 plants, the method comprising positioning each plant for growth in a first growth substrate which has a first water uptake capacity and a first sinking time with the first growth substrate in fluid communication with a discrete second substrate;

• wherein the second substrate is mineral wool having a density of 50 to 80 kg/m3, a second water uptake capacity which is less than the first water uptake capacity and a second sinking time;
• wherein the value of the first sinking time is greater than the value of the second sinking time, and flooding the second substrate with water during intervals;
• such that the plants are grown under conditions of drought stress.